Page 60 of Leap of Faith
Faith did not know precisely what that meant, other than that he must dote on the dowager. For one who made an art out of appearing to care little for others, this was at odds with his self-proclaimed profligacy.
“He has written a great deal about you.”
Faith evidenced her surprise.
“He has never before done such a thing, I assure you.”
“I suppose it is only natural since he has suddenly inherited five wards of the opposite sex.”
“Perhaps, but he has written little of your sisters, who all appear to be as beautiful and charming as you.”
“I am sure it is only because I am the eldest, ma’am.” Faith could see where her thoughts were leading, but she knew that Lord Westwood was not doing this in order to catch a bride—far from it. Could he go back in time, he would surely let them return to Bath and wash his hands of them as soon as possible. If not for Sir Julian’s threats, he would probably still be amused by thrusting them upon theton.
“I do not think so. His mother thinks you are the one to bring him to heel, and I am inclined to agree with her.”
That put Faith to the blush. “Please, my lady, I wish you would not put any store by that. I assure you there is nothing more to that than his duties as our guardian occupying much more of his time than he bargained for!” Faith laughed.
“Perhaps,” the dowager said, but Faith could tell she was determined in her thinking.
“Are you teasing Miss Whitford, Grandmama? She looks as though she needs rescuing,” Lord Westwood said, meeting her gaze.
“I have said what I needed to say,” the lady said primly.
“I imagine you have. Shall we go into the breakfast room? These ladies might not confess to ravishing hunger, but I will. I cannot remember the last time I had so much exercise in one morning.”
He stood behind the wheeled chair and escorted his grandmother. Despite the embarrassment she felt at the lady’s words, Faith could understand that the dowager would like to see her grandson settled with his own family. Why she should think Lord Westwood would choose her was another matter. He’d shown her and her sisters courtesy and civility, to be sure, but in the matter of preferring Faith? He was nothing but indifferent, as evidenced by his flirtation with the widow Taylor. Besides, he could look as high as he wished for a wife, should he wish for one.
Breakfast was a lavish affair to Faith, though it might be common enough amongst the nobility. Lady Halbury had not fed them extravagantly—they had broken their fast in the schoolroom with eggs and toast. Neither did Lady Westwood hold a formal breakfast, preferring a tray in her room. They had become used to eating together in their chambers whilst in London.
The sideboard was covered with kippers, sliced beef, eggs, bacon, sausages, and an array of rolls and toast and side dishes—a veritable feast. However, Faith and her sisters had worked up a hearty appetite and did justice to the meal.
“Must you leave directly?” the dowager asked.
Lord Westwood looked up at Faith. “Have you any engagements this evening that I have forgotten?”
“No, my lord.”
“Then we need not hurry.”
“Perhaps you may show those who wish to see them around the house or the estate. There is more to Taywards than the stables.”
“Of course, Grandmama.”
“I could spend all day in the stables,” Joy remarked.
After they had breakfasted, everyone first played lawn bowls, but they were all much too competitive and chose to split into other activities from lawn chess to rowing across the lake.
Faith did not think she’d ever had a more agreeable day. For the day, she allowed her worries about their futures to escape her. There was tomorrow for that.
“May I interest you in a turn about the lake?” Lord Westwood asked. “Or was your excursion with Carew enough to turn you from the sport for good?”
That notable sportsman from the rowing team at Cambridge scoffed.
“As poor Carew was so good as not to overturn the boat, I think I could manage another turn,” she answered, amused by the competitive nature of the two gentlemen.
Once they were out on the lake, Faith wondered why Lord Westwood had invited her out. He had already rowed Hope around and must be tired. However, Carew was now rowing Grace, so perhaps it was not such a fatiguing endeavour as it appeared.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Miss Whitford?” he asked.
